About this page. This is a plain English summary of the UroLift procedure. It does not replace medical advice from your own doctor or specialist.
For full information and references, please read the detailed page.
What is UroLift?
UroLift is a treatment for an enlarged prostate (BPH). Instead of cutting away or heating prostate tissue, it uses small implants to hold the prostate's two side lobes apart. This is a bit like pulling curtains aside from a window, so the urine tube has more space.
How does it work?
A small camera (cystoscope) is passed through the urine tube. Tiny implants are then placed inside the prostate. Each implant has a small piece of metal that anchors on the outside of the prostate, a stitch in the middle, and a small piece on the inside that pulls the prostate tissue back.
The implants stay in place permanently. The urine channel is wider almost straight away, which means symptoms can improve quickly.
What is the procedure like?
UroLift is usually done as a day procedure. It can be done under sedation, a light anaesthetic, or in some cases a local anaesthetic. There are no cuts on the outside of the body.
Many men do not need a urinary catheter at all afterwards, or only for a very short time.
Why might someone choose UroLift?
- Symptom relief is usually faster than with medication.
- It does not involve cutting or removing prostate tissue.
- Studies have reported that UroLift preserves sexual function, including ejaculation, in clinical trials. The full references are listed on the detailed page.
- Recovery time is generally short.
Important things to know
- For a few days after the procedure, it is normal to have some discomfort, urgency, or some blood in the urine. These usually settle.
- As with any procedure, there is a small risk of urinary infection, or temporary trouble passing urine.
- UroLift is not suitable for every prostate. Very large prostates, prostates with a "middle lobe" sticking up into the bladder, or certain other shapes may be better treated with a different method.
- Some men need a further treatment over time.
- The implants are permanent. They do not need to be removed, but they are seen on imaging in future.
What you can do next
- Read the full detailed page for full information and references.
- Short version overview of enlarged prostate (BPH) and the full menu of treatments.
- Request a second opinion on a treatment plan.
- Call 02 8382 6980 to make an appointment.